Changes in altitude have a profound effect on the human body. The body attempts to maintain a state of homeostasis or balance to ensure the optimal operating environment for its complex chemical systems. Any change from this homeostasis is a change away from the optimal operating environment. The body attempts to correct this imbalance. One such imbalance is the effect of increasing altitude on the body"s ability to provide adequate oxygen to be utilized in cellular respiration. With an increase in elevation, a typical occurrence when climbing mountains, the body is forced to respond in various ways to the changes...
symptoms. A high carbohydrate diet more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates while at altitude also appears to facilitate recovery.

A little planning and awareness can greatly decrease the chances of altitude sickness. Recognizing early symptoms can result in the avoidance of more serious consequences of altitude sickness. The human body is a complex biochemical organism that requires an adequate supply of oxygen to function. The ability of this organism to adjust to a wide range of conditions is a testament to its survivability. The decreased partial pressure of oxygen with increasing altitude is one of these adaptations.